stencil

1 of 2

noun

sten·​cil ˈsten(t)-səl 

1

: an impervious material (such as a sheet of paper, thin wax, or woven fabric) perforated with lettering or a design through which a substance (such as ink, paint, or metallic powder) is forced onto a surface to be printed

2

: something (such as a pattern, design, or print) that is produced by means of a stencil

3

: a printing process that uses a stencil

stencil

2 of 2

verb

stenciled or stencilled; stenciling or stencilling ˈsten(t)-s(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to mark or paint with a stencil

2

: to produce by stencil

stenciler noun

or stenciller

ˈsten(t)-s(ə-)lər 

Examples of stencil in a Sentence

Noun

The walls of the living room had a delicate vine stencil drawn on them.

Verb

We stenciled the room's walls.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Simply place the stencil against your eyelid, follow the guidelines, and fill in your eyeliner. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024

There are two different kits that retail for $29.99 USD each and include ten markers, three stencils, and the signature airbrush. —Adam Wescott, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

Verb

Some bring personal objects to be stenciled—computer cases, handbags and other objects. —R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Practice stenciling on cardboard before moving onto the floor. —Jody Garlock, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably ultimately from Middle English stanseld brightly ornamented, from Anglo-French estencelé spangled, past participle of estenceler to sparkle, from estencele spark, from Vulgar Latin *stincilla, alteration of Latin scintilla

First Known Use

Noun

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stencil

1 of 2 noun

sten·​cil ˈsten(t)-səl 

1

: a piece of material (as a sheet of paper) with lettering or a design that is cut out and through which ink or paint is forced onto a surface to be printed

2

: a design or print produced with a stencil

stencil

2 of 2 verb

stenciled or stencilled; stenciling or stencilling

-s(ə-)liŋ

1

: to paint with a stencil

2

: to produce by a stencil